MEADOWLANDS -- The Hard Rock International company announced on Wednesday that it has bought a stake in Meadowlands Racetrack, NJ.com reported.

The company is hoping to invest in case casino gambling comes to the Meadowlands, sources said.

The chairman of the company said in a statement, “Our company welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to leveraging our brand to potentially expand the region’s gaming offerings and sports betting through this alliance. We also believe this investment would sit comfortably alongside potential projects in the future.”

Gov. Chris Christie has been against casino gambling in North Jersey, but said he might consider it eventually.